The Right Moves for the Ultimate Curb Appeal

A neglected Maryland hideaway got a second chance with the addition of details that made its great architecture shine.

Exterior Before

A simple cottage had undergone a bad redo that compromised the house and its potential. Two phases of remodel created a roof deck, sunporch, powder room, guest bedroom, rear stairwell, and covered back entry.

Exterior After

The renovated 1940s cottage overlooks a marsh and the nearby Potomoc River, a few miles from the Chesapeake Bay.

Exterior

Inspired by the region’s historic boathouses and waterman’s cottages, the double-gable façade gives the house more space and fits with the original architecture. At night, the gables allow the entire house to glow like a lantern.

Back Entrance

Before, the back door lacked cover, so the homeowners added a structure with a cedar shake room. No more standing in the rain to unlock the door!

Sunporch

Antique heart pine floors and a varnished wood ceiling make the space—a 245-square-foot enclosed addition that was part of the first remodel—feel like the inside of a vintage yacht.

Living Room

The second phase of the remodel included plans to completely open up the first floor and create a combination cooking/dining/living space.

Kitchen

From the squeaky-clean white tile backsplash to the gleaming stainless steel appliances and varnished wood, this kitchen really shines. Unobtrusive but powerful, recessed fixtures in the kitchen provide great task lighting in a space that needs form and function.

Deck

The new second-story gables shelter a deck that’s accessible through double sliding doors from the master and guest suites. The water is just 150 feet beyond the deck railing. The framework of the gazebo style deck echoes the windows of the first-floor sunporch without obstructing that stunning view.